Council, Mayor Clash Over Appointee Approval

Kansas City, MO – Another storm appears to be brewing between Mayor Mark Funkhouser and the city council - this time over the amount of information provided on appointees to boards and commissions the council must approve.

Council members say they need more information on appointees to TIF and economic development commissions, citing tens, maybe hundreds of millions of dollars the city pays out in business incentives.

The mayor resists, saying appointees will decline the jobs if they have to be vetted.

After an hour's discussion, a council committee's solution was a resolution from councilman Ed Ford stating that all appointments to boards and commissions requiring council approval shall be made by ordinance. It was endorsed unanimously by the committee.

Ordinances, unless granted emergency status by council vote are automatically sent to committee for their recommendation. No recommendation - no final vote.

A final vote on this resolution may come as early as Thursday afternoon.